Are Gila Monsters Really Dangerous to Humans?

The gila monster is a heavy bodied lizard that can be found throughout parts of the southwest and Mexico and as far north as Utah. They have a very nasty reputation for being dangerous and the stories of these lizards killing people are largely mythical. The gila monster is certainly no monster, though it can be dangerous in certain situations. Here are some myths about gila monsters and the truth behind them:

Gila Monster Myth - Gila Monsters Grow to Huge Size

Truth -The truth is gila monsters are not all that big. They grow to about two feet at the most in length and weigh about three pounds. They are heavy looking, but they are not really all that heavy in actuality.

Gila Monster Myth - Gila Monsters Will Chase You To Bite

Truth -The gila monster does not even chase their food items to bite. They bite their prey by surprise and then track the prey with their tongue as the venom takes effect. The majority of the gila monster's prey is so small that they need not even do that. They simply bite and kill the prey on the spot. The gila monster only bites humans when cornered or surprised, and rarely even then.

Gila Monster Myth - Gila Monsters have Poison Breath and Venomous Tongues

Truth - Gila monsters may have bad breath, but it is not poisonous. They have no venom whatsoever on their tongues and instead use them to pick up scents for danger and prey on the air. The venom for a gila monster is in their lower jaw in venom glands. When they bite, they ooze the venom into the wound. Without being bitten, you can not be hurt by the gila monster. They also have no poison or venom in their scales.

Gila Monster Myth - The Gila Monster Will Throw Themselves Through the Air

Truth - Nothing could be further from the truth. Gila monsters are super slow. They avoid anything larger than them like the plague and will not attack you unless you give them reason to. Even then, they are hesitant to fight. They want to get away and nothing more. They will hiss and open their jaws at you long before they bite you. This is a warning and you should heed it.

Gila Monster Myth - Gila Monster Bites Means Death

Truth - If you are in good health, the odds of a gila monster bite killing you is fairly remote. First it is nearly impossible to get bitten by one in the first place. Second, it is not likely to be life threatening if you do get bit. It will hurt like the dickens, but it is not likely to kill you. Still, because the venom is a dangerous one you should seek medical attention. The biggest issue might be getting the gila monster to let go. They bite and hold on like a steel trap.

As you can see, the gila monster is not the "monster" that they have been made out to be. They are solitary, lonely lizards that want only to be left alone. They rarely come out of their burrows and when they do, they are looking to mate or eat. The last thing they want is to eat a human being. (as if that is possible).

Sources:

-Personal Experience
-Heloderma suspectum cinctum - Banded Gila Monster